Wireless access control and event controller system

ABSTRACT

A wireless access control system and method is described which permits wireless communication between a remote access controller and a central access controller on an “on demand” basis. The remote access controller can determine the state of the locking mechanism without communication to the central access controller when a valid access request is presented. However, if an invalid access request is presented, a remote wireless communicator will be placed in its transmission mode to request updated user control data from the central access controller. The remote wireless communicator can also be placed in its transmission mode to request updated user control data from the central access controller by a communication command input at a remote programming mode device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally directed to a wireless access control systemhaving a remote access controller that is able to wirelessly communicatewith a central access controller to control access to a lockingmechanism coupled to the remote access controller. More specifically,the wireless access control system of the present invention provides for“on demand” communication between the remote access controller and thecentral access controller in a manner to minimize energy consumption,while, at the same time, providing an efficiently fast status signal(e.g., locked or unlocked) at the remote location for the lockingmechanism. The wireless transmission of access control data between theremote access controller and the central access controller can beeffectuated by (i) an invalid access request signal at the remote accesscontroller, (ii) a communication command input at a remote programmingmode device that is coupled to said remote access controller, (iii) theexpiration of a timer coupled to said remote access controller; and (iv)the activation of a transducer that is coupled to the remote accesscontroller by a transducer stimulator located remotely from thetransducer. The transducer stimulator may be controlled by the centralaccess controller, but can also be separately operated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an access control system. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an access control systemthat typically connects a plurality of remote locking mechanisms to acentral access controller.

The need to control access to secured premises has resulted in a longhistory of access control devices. Traditionally, simple mechanicallocks were incorporated to prevent access to the premises byunauthorized users. However, in such simple mechanical lockingenvironments, mechanical keys needed to be provided to every authorizeduser. If the lock were changed, new keys needed to be provided to eachauthorized user, resulting in confusion and undue expense. Suchmechanical locks were particularly undesirable in the hotel industrywherein a new user might be authorized each day, but wherein priorauthorized users should be denied access.

With the advent of less expensive microelectronics, electronic accesscontrollers were developed that could grant access to an authorized userbased on the presentation of a credential such as a card key. While theissuance of different card keys was less expensive than themanufacturing of metal keys, such early access control systems stillrequired security professionals to physically adjust authorized codes ateach door in a system. In larger installations, this step was bothexpensive and time-consuming.

In the next development of the access control industry, all lockingmechanisms in a system were wired to a central access controller so thatthe security professional could reprogram each locking mechanism from acentral location (e.g., a command and control station). However, wiredunits tended to be expensive and complex to install in view of thenecessity to physically connect each locking mechanism to a remotedevice by hard wire. Such shortcomings are adequately defined in theBackground of the Invention section of Gonzales et al. U.S. Pat. No.5,936,544 (“the '544 patent”). The '544 patent eliminated the need forhardwiring by coupling wireless communicators to each door module thatcould communicate with a central access controller. In operation, a userwould present a credential to one of the remotely located door modulesand the signal associated with that credential would be wirelesslytransmitted from the remote location to the central access controller todetermine whether the credential represented an authorized user. If anauthorized user was indicated, an access control signal granting accesswould be sent from the central access controller to the remote doormodule. Conversely, if the user credential was not recognized by thecentral access controller, an access control signal denying access wouldbe sent from the central access controller to the remote door module

The shortcomings of the '544 patent are numerous. For instance, therequirement for communication between a remote door module and thecentral access controller in every instance where a credential waspresented resulted in significant absorption of power. Moreover, ifnumerous requests were made simultaneously, users would experiencesubstantial delays in achieving access through the remote door module asthe central access controller attends to the multitude of requests. Yetanother shortcoming of the wireless security control system of the '544patent is that, should the central access controller experience abreakdown, access to all door modules would be rendered impossible.

Rodenbeck et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,861 (“the '861 patent”) overcamesome of the battery consumption concerns presented in the '544 patent byproviding door access grant or deny decisions at the remote locations,as opposed to requiring a centralized decision. However, thisde-centralizing of the locking and unlocking of a door module resultedin other shortcomings. For instance, door modules of the '861 patentcould only obtain user updates periodically since a wireless signalwould not be transmitted for each event that occurs at the door.

The shortcomings of previous wireless access control systems areevident. In the '544 patent, for instance, battery drain is substantialsince each door access grant or deny signal requires communicationbetween the remote location and the central access controller.Conversely, in the system of the '861 patent, grant or deny signals areprovided directly at the remote locations, thereby delaying updated usercontrol data from reaching the door control modules. A simple examplewill demonstrate this flaw. If a new employee is retained and isprovided a cardkey at 9:30 AM by security personnel, and then, attemptsto use that card key to enter a certain restricted area, access will bedenied at that remote location if the system is programmed only toprovide updated user control data at midnight of each day. The employeewill either need to go back to security personnel or wait until thefollowing day to gain authorized access.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide anew and improved wireless access control system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved wireless access control system that will initiate communicationbetween the remote access control system and the central access controlsystem on a demand basis.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a newand improved wireless access control system that can provide updatedaccess control data from the central access controller to the remoteaccess controller in a non-periodic, on demand manner.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved wireless control system which conserves battery power.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved wireless access control system that will provide communicationbetween the remote access controller and the central access controllerby either (i) an invalid access request signal, (ii) a communicationcommand input at a remote programming mode device coupled to the remoteaccess controller, (iii) activation of a transducer coupled to theremote access controller by a transducer stimulator, or (iv) theexpiration of a timer coupled to the remote access controller.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the specification and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, and in accordance with the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, a wireless access control system and method isdescribed which permits wireless communication between a remote accesscontroller and a central access controller on a demand basis. The accesscontrol system of the present invention comprises (i) a lockingmechanism having a first state and a second state; (ii) a controlcircuit coupled to the locking mechanism for switching the lockingmechanism from the first state to the second state; (iii) an accessrequest receiving device for receiving a user credential and convertingthe user credential into a access request signal; (iv) a remote accesscontroller coupled to the access request receiving device and adapted tosend a status signal to the control circuit; (v) a remote storage devicecoupled to the remote access controller for maintaining access requestdata, which will be compared to the access request signal to determinewhether the access control signal reflects a valid access request; (vi)a remote programming mode device coupled to the remote accesscontroller; (vii) a remote wireless communicator electrically coupled tothe remote access controller and adapted to both transmit and receiveaccess control data, wherein the remote wireless communicator has astandby mode during which no access control data can be received ortransmitted, a wake-up listening mode during which access control datacan be received, and a transmission mode during which access controldata can be transmitted; (viii) a transducer coupled to the remoteaccess controller; (ix) a timer set to a preset value and coupled to theremote access controller; (x) a central access controller locatedremotely from the remote access controller; (xi) a central wirelesscommunicator coupled to the central access controller and adapted toboth transmit to, and receive from, the remote wireless communicatoraccess control data; and (xii) a transducer stimulator, located remotelyfrom the transducer, and for activating the transducer. The remoteaccess controller described above can determine the state of the lockingmechanism without communication to the central access controller when avalid access request is presented. However, if an invalid access requestis presented, the remote wireless communicator will be placed in itstransmission mode to request updated user control data from the centralaccess controller. The remote wireless communicator can also be placedin its transmission mode to request updated user control data from thecentral access controller by a communication command input at the remoteprogramming mode device. Moreover, the remote wireless communicator canbe placed in its wake-up listening mode be either activation of thetransducer by the transducer stimulator or expiration of the attachedtimer.

It will be understood as the description proceeds that variouscombinations of the aforementioned components can be utilized. Moreover,while the description and the drawings will focus on the use of theremote access controller in the context of a door lock, similar accesscontrol systems can be incorporated in controlling the ignition ofvehicles, controlling the operation of power tools, controlling accessto telecommunication equipment, and controlling access to computernetworks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the inventionherein, it is believed that the present invention will be more readilyunderstood upon consideration of the description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the overall access control systemof the present invention comprising a central access control system anda remote access control system;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustration of the demand based communicationsand functions of the present inventions when either a credential ispresented or a communication command input is entered at a remoteprogramming mode device;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustration of a pre-arranged wakeup techniqueof the present invention, which incorporates the use of a timer; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustration of the transducer initiated wakeupmethod of the present invention, which incorporates both a transducerand a transducer stimulator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIG. 1, a wireless access control system, generallydesignated 10, is shown which comprises a central access control system12 and a remote access control system 14. In most real-lifeapplications, it will be readily understood that central access controlsystem 12 will be coupled to a plurality of remote access controlsystems 14. However, for illustrative purposes, the singlerepresentation of remote access control system 14 is sufficient.

Central access control system 12 is comprised of a central accesscontroller 16, a central wireless communicator 18, and a transducerstimulator 20. The components that comprise central access controlsystem 12 are illustrated in a dashed box to illustrate that centralaccess controller 16, central wireless communicator 18, and transducerstimulator 20 can be contained in a composite housing or, alternatively,be separately coupled. In fact, as will become evident below, transducerstimulator 20 can even be remotely located and not coupled to centralaccess controller 16 at all; it need not be a part of central accesscontrol system 12.

In operation, central access controller 16 typically comprises softwareto properly control and operate central wireless communicator 18 andtransducer stimulator 20. Security personnel can operate central accesscontroller 16 to provide access control data to, or receive accesscontrol data from, remote access control system 14. Although notillustrated, central access controller 16 typically will also be coupledto a memory to maintain a database of permissible users, certain loginformation, and other user control data relating to remote accesscontrol system 14.

Remote access control system 14 is comprised of a remote accesscontroller 21, a remote wireless communicator 22, an access requestreceiving device 24, a remote programming mode device 26, a remotestorage device 28, a control circuit 30, a locking mechanism 32, atransducer 34, and a timer 36. Once again, the components of remoteaccess control system 14 are shown within a dashed box since they may becombined in a single housing or be comprised of separate components.

Access request receiving device 24 can be comprised of numerous knowndevices such as a card reader, a wireless receiver, a biometric reader,etc. In operation, a person desiring entry through a door secured bylocking mechanism 32 will present a credential 38 to access requestreceiving device 24. It should be understood by those skilled in the artthat, while in the past the term “credential” referred solely to a cardkey or other physical device, the term as used herein reflects the morebroader and recent meaning to include biometric readers and the like.Central wireless communicator 18 and remote wireless communicator 22 arecapable of wireless communication between each other as reflected bylines 40. Such wireless communication may be made using any wirelesstechnology including, but not limited to, radio frequency (RF) using a asingle or a multi-frequency method, RF spread spectrum, infrared, audio,ultrasonic, etc. Moreover, the access control data transmitted betweencentral wireless communicator 18 and remote wireless communicator 22 may(or may not) be packet data and may (or may not) be encrypted. However,regardless of the form of the wireless communications, central wirelesscommunicator 18 and remote wireless communicator 22 will require a powersource. In order to conserve power consumption, central wirelesscommunicator 18 and remote wireless communicator 22 will turn the poweron only upon a demand based request. The wireless communication betweentransducer stimulator 20 and transducer 34, as reflected by lines 44,can also take on numerous forms.

The operability of wireless access control system 10 is best understoodin conjunction with the flow charts of FIGS. 2-4. Referring first toFIG. 2, the operation of wireless access control system 10 is shown wheneither a credential 38 is presented to access request receiving device24 or a command communication is input at remote programming mode device26. Remote programming mode device 26 can be a plug-in communicationport, a wireless receiver, a keypad, or any other means for a programmerto provide command data. Moreover, remote programming mode device 26 canactually be a part of access request receiving device 24, whereby accessreceiving request device 24 can differentiate between programming dataand an access request signal.

The components of wireless access control system 10 are typically placedin a mode to draw minimal power. Referring again to FIG. 2, in box 44,data is presented to remote access control system 14. In box 46, remoteaccess controller 21 evaluates the presented data to determine theaction required. In decision box 48, a determination is made on whetheror not the presented data constitutes a programming function. If aprogramming function is detected, box 50 is illustrative of theexecution of the required function. During the execution of thefunction, remote wireless communicator 22 is typically turned ON.Numerous functions are possible such as the transmitting of thetransaction log of remote access control system 14 to central accesscontrol system 12, requesting new user programming data including, butnot limited to, schedules, codes and credentials via wireless link 40,etc. After the function of box 50 is completed, the device will returnto its sleep mode as represented by box 52.

If, instead of a function, decision box 48 determines that an accessrequest signal has been received, remote access controller 21 will checkremote storage device 28 to compare the access request signal to storedvalid access request signals to determine whether a valid access requesthas been received. This function is represented in box 54 and decisionbox 56. If the presented credential represents an authorized user,remote access controller 21 will forward an appropriate status signal tocontrol circuit 30 which, in turn, will unlock locking mechanism 32.Moreover, the entry will be logged, and any additional functions will beexecuted as reflected in box 58. After access has been made, and allfiles are updated accordingly, the device will return to its sleep modeas reflected in box 52. If the access request signal from credential 38does not represent a valid access request, the system will check anupdate frequency timer, as represented in box 60, to determine the lasttime that remote storage device 28 was updated, to determine if new datais warranted. If repeated requests by that user had recently been made,access will be denied and the memory log will be updated accordingly.These steps are reflected in box 62 and 64.

In prior art systems, such as in the '861 patent, if decision box 56determined that the presented credential did not reflect a valid accessrequest signal, access would simply be denied. However, in the presentinvention, if decision box 62 determines that it is permissible toobtain an update from central access control system 12, remote accesscontrol 14 will request an update from central access control system 12by sending a request from remote wireless communicator 22 to centralwireless communicator 18. This step requires the powering ON of remotewireless communicator 22 as reflected in box 66. Box 68 reflects thesteps of remote access control system 14 updating its updated frequencytimer, to help determine if repeated request and updates have beenrequested. This step is reflected in box 68. Box 70 reflects theupdating of remote access controller 21 by central access control system12. At this point, the request is reevaluated. If the request is valid,as reflected in box 72, entry is permitted and the other steps ofaforementioned box 58 are completed. Alternatively, if, even uponre-evaluation, the request represents an unauthorized user, entry isdenied and the log is updated in an appropriate fashion as reflected inaforementioned box 64.

Based on the aforementioned description, it should be understood thatthe update frequency timer is to prevent a situation wherein the usersmight continually request access in an inappropriate manner, which couldresult in undue battery consumption. When credential 38 is presented toaccess request receiving device 24, access will be promptly permittedfrom remote access control system 14 if the presented access requestdata matches data in remote storage device 28. Conversely, if,initially, the access request signal does not reflect a valid accessrequest when compared in remote access controller 28, wireless accesscontrol system 10 will check with central access control system 12 todetermine if any updates of access control data are available fromcentral access control system 12. This functionality prevents the denialof entry to recently added authorized users.

Remote wireless communicator 22, as utilized in the present invention,can be understood to have three different modes. In its standby (orsleep) mode, no access control data can be received or transmitted. Inits transmission mode, access control data can be either transmitted orreceived. The third mode of remote wireless communicator 22 is itswake-up listening mode wherein its receiver is activated, but itstransmitter is not. The wake-up listening mode can be preset with thehelp of timer 36 to enable specific periods of time during which centralaccess control system 12 can forward updated control data to remoteaccess control system 14. This pre-arranged wake-up listening modemethod is described in FIG. 3. Timer 36 is checked in box 74. Asreflected in decision box 76, a determination is made on whether or nottimer 36 has expired. If timer 36 has not expired, remote wirelesscommunicator will remain in its sleep mode as reflected in box 78.Alternatively, if the preset time, as programmed in timer 36, has beenreached, remote access control system 14 is turned ON and activates thereceiver of remote wireless communicator 22. Remote wirelesscommunicator 22 will maintain its receiver ON for a pre-determinedperiod of time while awaiting communications from central wirelesscommunicator 18 of central access control system 12 (box 80). Adetermination will be made on whether a communication from centralwireless communicator 18 had been received (box 82). If a communicationhad indeed been received, a determination will also be made on whether afurther delay was requested (box 84). If no further delay was requested,central access control system 12 will execute programming functions, loguploading or other maintenance functions, etc. via wireless link 40 (box86). At this point, timer 36 will be updated (box 88) and the unit willbe placed back into its standby (or sleep) mode (box 78). If a delay tosend a communication was requested at box 84, timer 38 would simply beupdated (box 88) and remote wireless communicator 22 would be placedback in its standby (or sleep) mode.

If no communication is received by remote wireless communicator 22 afterit is placed in its wake-up listening mode, remote access control systemwill check to determine if the time for receiving any updated data orfunction information is expired (box 90) If the time is not expired, thesystem will repeatedly look for such updated data; once the time hasexpired, remote wireless communicator 22 will be placed back in itssleep (or standby) mode (box 92).

The present invention also provides for another possible means ofplacing remote wireless communicator 22 into its wake-up listening mode.Transducer 34 can be activated by transducer stimulator 20 alongwireless transmission lines 42 to ultimately activate remote wirelesscommunicator 22 into its wake-up standby mode. Transducer 34 can beoperable based on audio, ultrasonic, infrared, RF, or other signals, andvia modulation, modification or ON-OFF keying of these transmissionmedia, impart a command to remote access control system 14 independentof the communication scheme previously described. Moreover, audio tonesor DTMF digits can be amplified over a public address system to commandremote access control system 14 to perform a function. These tones canbe varied to provide immunity to tampering. Such an enhancement isuseful in lock-down situations in schools, etc.

The utilization of transducer stimulator 21 and transducer stimulator 34to place remote wireless communicator 22 into its wake-up listening modeis described best by following the flow chart presented in FIG. 4. Iftransducer 34 is stimulated (box 94), a determination is made by remoteaccess controller 21 to determine if the stimulation is an appropriatesignal (box 96). If the stimulation is inappropriate, remote wirelesscommunicator 22 remains in its sleep mode (box 98). If, conversely,transducer 34 is indeed activated by an appropriate signal fromtransducer stimulator 21, remote wireless communicator 22 is placed inits wake-up listening mode (box 100). A determination is then made onwhether remote wireless communicator 22 needs to be powered ON to itstransmission mode (box 102). If no communication from remote accesscontrol system 14 to central access control system 12 is required, adetermination is made on whether or not the requested programmingrequires a specific command to be executed (box 104). If no command isrequired, the unit is placed back in its standby (or sleep) mode (box98). Conversely, if a command is required, remote access controller 21executes the program functions (box 106) before the unit is placed backinto its standby (or sleep) mode.

If decision box 102 determined that remote wireless communicator 22should be placed in its transmission mode, it will be placed in such amode, and central access control system 12 will execute all requiredprogramming functions, log uploading or other maintenance functions viawireless link 40 (box 108). After all functions are completed, the unitwill again be placed in its standby (or sleep) mode (box 98).

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the presentinvention incorporates various new components to a demand based accesscontrol system. These elements can be combined in various formulations.For instance, if timer 36 is incorporated to arrange for remote wirelesscommunicator 22 to be placed in its wake-up listening mode, it may notbe necessary to also incorporate transducer 34. However, in certaininstances, it may be desirable to include both means for placing remotewireless communicator 22 into its wake-up listening mode. Moreover,although the aforementioned description mentions that remote accesscontrol system 14 could be placed on a door, such access control can beextended to other types of controls such as on locking mechanisms tocontrol the ignition of vehicles, the operation of power tools, accessto telecommunication equipment, and access to a computer network.Moreover, although specific interconnections of power sources have notbeen provided, it can be readily understood that various components canbe powered by AC/DC power, batteries, or both.

While there has been shown and described what is presently considered tobe the preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious tothose skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may bemade without departing from the broader aspects of this invention. Itis, therefore, aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changesand modifications as fall within the true scope and spirit of theinvention.

1. An access control system comprising: a locking mechanism having afirst state and a second state; a control circuit coupled to saidlocking mechanism for switching said locking mechanism from said firststate to said second state; an access request receiving device forreceiving a user credential and converting said credential into anaccess request signal; a remote access controller electrically coupledto said access request receiving device and adapted to send a statussignal to said control circuit; a remote storage device coupled to saidremote access controller for maintaining access control data which willbe compared to said access request signal to determine whether saidaccess request signal reflects a valid access request; a remote wirelesscommunicator electrically coupled to said remote access controller andadapted to both transmit and receive access control data, said remotewireless communicator having a standby mode during which no accesscontrol data can be received or transmitted, a wake-up listening modeduring which access control data can be received, and a transmissionmode during which access control data can be transmitted; a timer set toa preset value and coupled to said remote access controller; a centralaccess controller located remotely from said remote access controller; acentral wireless communicator electrically coupled to said centralaccess controller and adapted to transmit access control data, andreceive access control data from said remote wireless communicator; andwherein said remote access controller can determine the state of saidlocking mechanism without communication to said central accesscontroller when a valid access request is presented, wherein said remotewireless communicator is placed in its transmission mode by an invalidaccess request signal, and further wherein said remote wirelesscommunicator is placed in its wake-up listening mode by the expirationof said timer.
 2. The access control system of claim 1 wherein said usercredential is in the form of a user keypad.
 3. The access control systemof claim 1 wherein said user credential is in the form of a biometricreader.
 4. The access control system of claim 1 wherein said usercredential is in the form of a card key.
 5. The access control system ofclaim 1 further comprising a wake-up control timer coupled to saidremote wireless communicator to establish the period of time remotewireless communicator will stay in its wake-up listening mode beforereverting to standby mode.
 6. The access control system of claim 1wherein the access control data transferred between said remote wirelesscommunicator and said central wireless communicator is encrypted priorto transmission.
 7. The access control system of claim 1 furthercomprising a synchronizing clock coupled to said central wirelesscommunicator to time the transmission of updated access control data tosaid remote wireless communicator to when said remote wirelesscommunicator is in its wake-up listening mode.
 8. The access controlsystem of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism is a door lock.
 9. Theaccess control system of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism controlsignition of a vehicle.
 10. The access control system of claim 1 whereinsaid locking mechanism controls operation of a power tool.
 11. Theaccess control system of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism controlsaccess to telecommunication equipment.
 12. The access control system ofclaim 1 said locking mechanism controls access to a computer network.13. An access control system comprising: a locking mechanism having afirst state and a second state; a control circuit coupled to saidlocking mechanism for switching said locking mechanism from said firststate to said second state; an access request receiving device forreceiving a user credential and converting said credential into anaccess request signal; a remote access controller electrically coupledto said access request receiving device and adapted to send a statussignal to said control circuit; a remote storage device coupled to saidremote access controller for maintaining access request data which willbe compared to said access request signal to determine whether saidaccess control signal reflects a valid access request; a remote wirelesscommunicator electrically coupled to said remote access controller andadapted to both transmit and receive access control data, said remotewireless communicator having a standby mode during which no accesscontrol data can be received or transmitted, a wake-up listening modeduring which access control data can be received, and a transmissionmode during which access control data can be transmitted; a transducercoupled to said remote access controller; a central access controllerlocated remotely from said remote access controller; a central wirelesscommunicator electrically coupled to said central access controller andadapted to both transmit to, and receive from, said remote wirelesscommunicator access control data; a transducer stimulator, locatedremotely from said transducer, for activating said transducer; andwherein said remote access controller can determine the state of saidlocking mechanism without communication to said central accesscontroller when a valid access request is presented, wherein said remotewireless communicator is placed in its transmission mode by an invalidaccess request signal, and further wherein said remote wirelesscommunicator is placed in its wake-up listening mode by activation ofsaid transducer by said transducer stimulator.
 14. The access controlsystem of claim 13 wherein said user credential is in the form of a userkeypad.
 15. The access control system of claim 13 wherein said usercredential is in the form of a biometric reader.
 16. The access controlsystem of claim 13 wherein said user credential is in the form of a cardkey.
 17. The access control system of claim 13 further comprising awake-up control timer coupled to said remote wireless communicator toestablish the period of time remote wireless communicator will stay inits wake-up listening mode before reverting to standby mode.
 18. Theaccess control system of claim 13 wherein the access control datatransferred between said remote wireless communicator and said centralwireless communicator is encrypted prior to transmission.
 19. The accesscontrol system of claim 13 wherein said transducer and transducerstimulator utilize ultrasonic transmissions.
 20. The access controlsystem of claim 13 wherein said transducer and transducer stimulatorutilize infrared transmissions.
 21. The access control system of claim13 wherein said transducer and transducer stimulator utilize radiofrequency transmissions.
 22. The access control system of claim 13wherein said transducer and transducer stimulator utilize audiotransmissions.
 23. The access control system of claim 22 wherein saidtransducer stimulator transmissions are amplified over a public addresssystem.
 24. The access control system of claim 13 wherein said lockingmechanism is a door lock.
 25. The access control system of claim 13wherein said locking mechanism controls ignition of a vehicle.
 26. Theaccess control system of claim 13 wherein said locking mechanismcontrols operation of a power tool.
 27. The access control system ofclaim 13 wherein said locking mechanism controls access totelecommunication equipment.
 28. The access control system of claim 13said locking mechanism controls access to a computer network.
 29. Anaccess control system comprising: a locking mechanism having a firststate and a second state; a control circuit coupled to said lockingmechanism for switching said locking mechanism from said first state tosaid second state; an access request receiving device for receiving auser credential and converting said credential into an access requestsignal; a remote access controller electrically coupled to said accessrequest receiving device and adapted to send a status signal to saidcontrol circuit; a remote storage device coupled to said remote accesscontroller for maintaining access request data which will be compared tosaid access request signal to determine whether said access requestsignal reflects a valid access request; a remote programming mode devicecoupled to said remote access controller; a remote wireless communicatorelectrically coupled to said remote access controller and adapted toboth transmit and receive access control data, said remote wirelesscommunicator having a standby mode during which no access control datacan be received or transmitted, a wake-up listening mode during whichaccess control data can be received and a transmission mode during whichaccess control data can be transmitted; a timer set to a preset valueand coupled to said remote access controller; a central accesscontroller located remotely from said remote access controller; acentral wireless communicator electrically coupled to said centralaccess controller and adapted to both transmit to, and receive from saidremote wireless communicator access control data; and wherein saidremote access controller can determine the state of said lockingmechanism without communication to said central access controller when avalid access request is presented, wherein said remote wirelesscommunicator is placed in its transmission mode by either an invalidaccess request signal or a communication command input at said remoteprogramming mode device, and further wherein said remote wirelesscommunicator is placed in its transmission mode by the expiration ofsaid timer.
 30. The access control system of claim 29 wherein said usercredential is in the form of a user keypad.
 31. The access controlsystem of claim 29 wherein said user credential is in the form of abiometric reader.
 32. The access control system of claim 29 wherein saiduser credential is in the form of a card key.
 33. The access controlsystem of claim 29 further comprising a wake-up control timer coupled tosaid remote wireless communicator to establish the period of time remotewireless communicator will stay in its wake-up listening mode beforereverting to standby mode.
 34. The access control system of claim 29wherein the access control data transferred between said remote wirelesscommunicator and said central wireless communicator is encrypted priorto transmission.
 35. The access control system of claim 29 furthercomprising a synchronizing clock coupled to said central wirelesscommunicator to time the transmission of updated access control data tosaid remote wireless communicator to when said remote wirelesscommunicator is in its wake-up listening mode.
 36. The access controlsystem of claim 29 wherein said locking mechanism is a door lock. 37.The access control system of claim 29 wherein said locking mechanismcontrols ignition of a vehicle.
 38. The access control system of claim29 wherein said locking mechanism controls operation of a power tool.39. The access control system of claim 29 wherein said locking mechanismcontrols access to telecommunication equipment.
 40. The access controlsystem of claim 29 said locking mechanism controls access to a computernetwork.
 41. The access control system of claim 29 wherein saidcommunication command input includes an instruction to transmit atransaction log from said remote wireless communicator to said centralwireless communicator.
 42. The access control system of claim 29 whereinsaid communication command input includes an instruction to requestupdated access control data from said central wireless communicator. 43.An access control system comprising: a locking mechanism having a firststate and a second state; a control circuit coupled to said lockingmechanism for switching said locking mechanism from said first state tosaid second state; an access request receiving device for receiving auser credential and converting said credential into an access requestsignal; a remote access controller electrically coupled to said accessrequest receiving device and adapted to send a status signal to saidcontrol circuit; a remote storage device coupled to said remote accesscontroller for maintaining access request data which will be compared tosaid access request signal to determine whether said access requestsignal reflects a valid access request; a remote programming mode devicecoupled to said remote access controller; a remote wireless communicatorelectrically coupled to said remote access controller and adapted toboth transmit and receive access control data, said remote wirelesscommunicator having a standby mode during which no access control datacan be received or transmitted, a wake-up listening mode during whichaccess control data can be received and a transmission mode during whichaccess control data can be transmitted; a transducer coupled to saidremote access controller; a central access controller located remotelyfrom said remote access controller; a central wireless communicatorelectrically coupled to said central access controller and adapted toboth transmit to, and receive from, said remote wireless communicatoraccess control data; a transducer stimulator, located remotely from saidtransducer, for activating said transducer; and wherein said remoteaccess controller can determine the state of said locking mechanismwithout communication to said central access controller when a validaccess request is presented, wherein said remote wireless communicatoris placed in its transmission mode by either an invalid access requestsignal, or a communication command input at said remote programming modedevice, and further wherein said remote wireless communicator is placedin its wake-up listening mode by activation of said transducer by saidtransducer stimulator.
 44. The access control system of claim 43 whereinsaid user credential is in the form of a user keypad.
 45. The accesscontrol system of claim 43 wherein said user credential is in the formof a biometric reader.
 46. The access control system of claim 43 whereinsaid user credential is in the form of a card key.
 47. The accesscontrol system of claim 43 further comprising a wake-up control timercoupled to said remote wireless communicator to establish the period oftime remote wireless communicator will stay in its wake-up listeningmode before reverting to standby mode.
 48. The access control system ofclaim 43 wherein the access control data transferred between said remotewireless communicator and said central wireless communicator isencrypted prior to transmission.
 49. The access control system of claim43 wherein said transducer and transducer stimulator utilize ultrasonictransmissions.
 50. The access control system of claim 43 wherein saidtransducer and transducer stimulator utilize infrared transmissions. 51.The access control system of claim 43 wherein said transducer andtransducer stimulator utilize radio frequency transmissions.
 52. Theaccess control system of claim 43 wherein said transducer and transducerstimulator utilize audio transmissions.
 53. The access control system ofclaim 52 wherein said transducer stimulator transmissions are amplifiedover a public address system.
 54. The access control system of claim 43wherein said locking mechanism is a door lock.
 55. The access controlsystem of claim 43 wherein said locking mechanism controls ignition of avehicle.
 56. The access control system of claim 43 wherein said lockingmechanism controls operation of a power tool.
 57. The access controlsystem of claim 43 wherein said locking mechanism controls access totelecommunication equipment.
 58. The access control system of claim 43said locking mechanism controls access to a computer network.
 59. Theaccess control system of claim 43 wherein said communication commandinput includes an instruction to transmit a transaction log from saidremote wireless communicator to said central wireless communicator. 60.The access control system of claim 43 wherein said communication commandinput includes an instruction to request updated access control datafrom said central wireless communicator.
 61. An access control systemcomprising: a locking mechanism having a first state and a second state;a control circuit coupled to said locking mechanism for switching saidlocking mechanism from said first state to said second state; an accessrequest receiving device for receiving a user credential and convertingsaid credential into an access request signal; a remote accesscontroller electrically coupled to said access request receiving deviceand adapted to send a status signal to said control circuit; a remotestorage device coupled to said remote access controller for maintainingaccess request data which will be compared to said access request signalto determine whether said access control signal reflects a valid accessrequest; a remote programming mode device coupled to said remote accesscontroller; a remote wireless communicator electrically coupled to saidremote access controller and adapted to both transmit and receive accesscontrol data, said remote wireless communicator having a standby modeduring which no access control data can be received or transmitted, awake-up listening mode during which access control data can be received,and a transmission mode during which access control data can betransmitted; a transducer coupled to said remote access controller; atimer set to a preset value and coupled to said remote accesscontroller; a central access controller located remotely from saidremote access controller; a central wireless communicator electricallycoupled to said central access controller and adapted to both transmitto, and receive from, said remote wireless communicator access controldata; a transducer stimulator, located remotely from said transducer,for activating said transducer; and wherein said remote accesscontroller can determine the state of said locking mechanism withoutcommunication to said central access controller when a valid accessrequest is presented, wherein said remote wireless communicator isplaced in its transmission mode by either an invalid access requestsignal or a communication command input at said remote programming modedevice, and further wherein said remote wireless communicator is placedin its wake-up listening mode by either activation of said transducer bysaid transducer stimulator or expiration of said timer.
 62. The accesscontrol system of claim 61 wherein said user credential is in the formof a user keypad.
 63. The access control system of claim 61 wherein saiduser credential is in the form of a biometric reader.
 64. The accesscontrol system of claim 61 wherein said user credential is in the formof a card key.
 65. The access control system of claim 61 furthercomprising a wake-up control timer coupled to said remote wirelesscommunicator to establish the period of time remote wirelesscommunicator will stay in its wake-up listening mode before reverting tostandby mode.
 66. The access control system of claim 61 wherein theaccess control data transferred between said remote wirelesscommunicator and said central wireless communicator is encrypted priorto transmission.
 67. The access control system of claim 61 furthercomprising a synchronizing clock coupled to said central wirelesscommunicator to time the transmission of updated access control data tosaid remote wireless communicator to when said remote wirelesscommunicator is in its wake-up listening mode.
 68. The access controlsystem of claim 61 wherein said locking mechanism is a door lock. 69.The access control system of claim 61 wherein said locking mechanismcontrols ignition of a vehicle.
 70. The access control system of claim61 wherein said locking mechanism controls operation of a power tool.71. The access control system of claim 61 wherein said locking mechanismcontrols access to telecommunication equipment.
 72. The access controlsystem of claim 61 said locking mechanism controls access to a computernetwork.
 73. The access control system of claim 61 wherein saidtransducer and transducer stimulator utilize ultrasonic transmissions.74. The access control system of claim 61 wherein said transducer andtransducer stimulator utilize infrared transmissions.
 75. The accesscontrol system of claim 61 wherein said transducer and transducerstimulator utilize radio frequency transmissions.
 76. The access controlsystem of claim 61 wherein said transducer and transducer stimulatorutilize audio transmissions.
 77. The access control system of claim 76wherein said transducer stimulator transmissions are amplified over apublic address system.
 78. The access control system of claim 61 whereinsaid communication command input includes an instruction to transmit atransaction log from said remote wireless communicator to said centralwireless communicator.
 79. The access control system of claim 61 whereinsaid communication command input includes an instruction to requestupdated access control data from said central wireless communicator. 80.A demand-based authorization method for controlling access to aplurality of lock mechanisms in a wireless access control system havinga central access control system comprising a central access controllerand a central wireless communicator, and having a separate remote accesscontrol system connected to each of said plurality of lock mechanismscomprising a remote access controller, a remote credential reader and aremote wireless communicator maintained in a standby mode to conservepower until activated, wherein said method comprises the steps of:storing a list of valid credentials in a memory at said remote accesscontrol system wherein said list is indicative of authorized users;receiving a credential at said credential reader; comparing saidcredential to said list of valid credentials; authorizing access fromsaid remote access control system if said comparing step is indicativeof an authorized user; activating said remote wireless communicator toinitiate a wireless communication between said remote wirelesscommunicator and central wireless communicator when said comparing stepis not indicative of an authorized user to obtain an updated list ofvalid credentials; re-comparing said credential to said updated list ofvalid credentials; and authorizing access if said re-comparing step isindicative of an authorized user.
 81. The demand-based authorizationmethod of claim 80 whereby said central access control system furthercomprises a transducer stimulator and each said separate remote accesscontrol system comprises a transducer, said method further comprisingthe step of: activating said remote wireless communicator by means of asignal from said transducer stimulator to said transducer.
 82. Thedemand-based authorization method of claim 81 further comprising thestep of: forwarding access control data from said central access controlsystem to said remote access control system.
 83. The demand-basedauthorization method of claim 81 further comprising the step of:amplifying said signal from said transducer stimulator over a publicaddress system.
 84. The demand-based authorization method of claim 80further comprising the steps of: activating said remote wirelesscommunicator at predetermined times for a period of time; and initiatinga wireless communication of access control data from said central accesscontrol system to said remote access control system during said periodof time that said remote wireless communicator is activated.
 85. Thedemand-based authorization method of claim 84 further comprising thestep of: extending said period of time that said remote wirelesscommunicator is activated if transmission of access control data fromsaid central access control system to said remote access control systemis not completed.
 86. The demand-based authorization method of claim 80further comprising the step of: activating said remote wirelesscommunicator by means of a programming mode signal entered at saidremote access control system.